Exclusive: ICC issues 'clarifications' to broadcasters over media rights process but lack of transparency persists

After the ICC came out with the Invitation-To-Tender (ITT) immediately post the e-auction of Indian Premier League (IPL) media rights, broadcasters had raised a gamut of questions arising out of the complications they saw in the process. While the clarifications have come in - some are listed below - broadcasters remain unconvinced about the manner in which the ICC has decided to go about with this whole process.

The ICC maintains that should it remain unconvinced about the bids received in Round One - the metrics of which remain unmentioned - the bidding will move to Round Two, a process to be completed by way of an e-auction without explaining the metrics on which the decision will be based. The governing body has in fact refused to change anything in the process that could bring in "more transparency", a request that's been put in by the broadcasters as well as some member boards.

Below are some of the clarifications that were sought by the broadcasters, how the ICC has responded to the queries and ICC's perspective to these frameworks.Tender document says: The ICC has invited closed bids despite several stakeholders in the industry, as well as the BCCI, suggesting that an e-auction, like in the case of IPL, could be the way forward. What the ICC has suggested though is that if it is "not satisfied" with the closed bids submitted by the broadcasters - but hasn't clarified the criterion for 'satisfaction' - it will call for Round Two of the bidding process and that will be conducted by way of an e-auction.

The ICC hasn't clarified either why it considered a closed bid over an e-auction in 'Round One'. Clarification received: While it was reported earlier that the ICC will consider an e-auction for Round Two, the